Friday, 14 January 2011 07:13
Gear Guys
First Ascent Artemis
LOCAL HAS BEEN A MANTRA OF SA COMPANIES FOREVER but it's amazing how many products are still not produced by SA-owned companies. Hydration packs have traditionally been imports from US companies, barring a few low-volume home industry attempts. Enter First Ascent and its new range of MTB and trail run backpacks, and that looks set to change.
We are one of the first publications to test the Cape Town outdoor apparel manufacturer's as-yet-unreleased 3-litre mountain biking backpack, fittingly named Artemis after the Greek goddess of the wilderness. Before filling the 2-litre reservoir (the 3-litre was not available for testing), we packed a First Ascent Apple jacket and the brilliant Free Thinker multisport race top. Despite this load, there was still space in a total of two zipped pockets and two webbed compartments.
The Nalgene bladder is first-class, arguably the best on the market. A pleasure to fill through the 82mm port and easy to handle with its rigid plastic spine, it won't collapse when nearly empty, maintaining good fluid supply. Best of all, it features a click-release system to allow quick swopping of bladders by seconding crews without removing the hose. The mouthpiece is secured by a magnetic dock. It's a pleasure to have no swinging mouthpiece to fuss with!
Although developed as a mountain biking pack, the temptation to test it on a run was just too great. A few short runs and hikes revealed just how cycle-specific it was.
Not having pockets on the front for food while on the move limits its appeal for hiking or trail running. However, there was not a lot of downward pressure on the shoulders, which made it extremely comfortable. Centre of gravity is in the small of the back, just above the hips. The 2-litre Lightyear, also unreleased, will feature removable pockets which will cater better to runners. The Artemis will find a strong following among MTB outriders who are happy to stop to retrieve chow stashed in the pack's generous pocket space. Racers should go for smaller packs with easier access.
Top marks: Knockout value
For: Excellent build quality, nearly half the price of Camelbak MULE (R1,022-R1,355), lots of packing space
Against: No bladder insulation, the long profile blocks cycling jersey pockets, no food access while riding
First Ascent 021 787 9380
Retail R699
www.firstascent.co.za
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